EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ (93)		$ 292
Effect of dilutive securities (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$ (93)		$ 292
Average common shares outstanding	435.6		441.5
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	435.6		446.1
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$ (0.21)		$ 0.66
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$ (0.21)		$ 0.65
Restricted Stock Performance Share Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	[1]	4.3	[1]
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	[1]	0.3	[1]

[1] Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.